Hillary's Other Big Secret: How Texas' Primary System Works

No word yet on when and where Barack Obama will be appearing Wednesday -- not even his local campaign operatives know anything. And, yes, they too have heard all the rumors that have the Illinois senator appearing mid-morning at a local church, Fair Park or even the American Airlines Center. Ian Kriegish, one of his Dallas spokespersons, tells Unfair Park this morning that "we really don't know much yet," and that "in terms of tickets, we don't know whether it'll be a town hall event with tickets or a large event without -- though we're certainly hoping for a large event without."

The national campaign office is handling the details, and they've promised to send out a media release today with further details -- though Kraigish adds, "We'll hopefully be getting a release out today." When it arrives, we'll post the details -- worked out so well with Radiohead tickets, after all.

"They have good ties to the Ann Richards liberals. They have good ties to labor in Houston. Good ties to some of the Democratic money in Dallas. Good ties traditionally to the African American community -- though it won't be as helpful -- and good ties to the Latino community."

The latter begins thusly:

Supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton are worried that convoluted delegate rules in Texas could water down the impact of strong support for her among Hispanic voters there, creating a new obstacle for her in the must-win presidential primary contest.

Several top Clinton strategists and fundraisers became alarmed after learning of the state's unusual provisions during a closed-door strategy meeting this month, according to one person who attended.

This article should put to rest any notion that the Clinton campaign is a paragon of competence and Ivan Drago-esque efficiency. (See also Hilzoy). It seems the Clinton campaign is just now getting around to, you know, learning the rules in Texas.